American Suzuki Shows full line, blizzard concept vehicle at 2007 Portland Auto Show

Jan 26,2007 00:00 by
Bend Weekly News Sources

With an array of vehicles designed to meet the needs of consumers' active lifestyles, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) arrives at the 2007 Portland Auto Show with its full-line of exciting cars and SUVs, including the all-new XL7 midsize crossover SUV and bold and functional SX4 compact X-over (crossover).

In addition to Suzuki's full-line of vehicles on display at the show, local auto enthusiasts will be treated to a look at the Suzuki Blizzard Grand Vitara. Designed for snow sport enthusiasts, the Blizzard embodies Suzuki's "Way of Life" brand philosophy -- products for consumers' active lifestyles.

"American Suzuki rolls into the Portland Auto Show poised for an impressive 2007 campaign," said Koichi Suzuki, president of ASMC Automotive Operations. "We are coming off a record-setting year led by the popular Grand Vitara and top-selling Forenza family of vehicles, and we're set to continue the momentum into the next model year with the XL7 and SX4."

In 2006, American Suzuki bested its own all-time annual sales record -- selling 100,990 vehicles -- up an impressive 23 percent over 2005. It was the first time in ASMC's 21-year history it eclipsed 100,000 in sales.

The Blizzard Grand Vitara was created as part of the original, groundbreaking 2006 "Suzuki LIVE Series" -- a sequence of brand-dedicated concept vehicles specially designed for life enthusiasts, adventurers and thrill-seekers. Designed to fulfill the needs of people with active lifestyles focused on snow sports, the Blizzard Grand Vitara features:

The XL7 blends SUV versatility and safety to increase driver and passenger comfort and features available all-wheel drive and seven-passenger, three-row seating to provide adaptability for active, mobile lifestyles. The 3.6-liter, V6, DOHC engine rated at 252 horsepower with 243 lb.-ft. of torque is matched to a five-speed automatic transmission fitted with manumatic controls.

Three trim levels are offered: XL7, Luxury and Limited. The XL7, offered in five- and seven-passenger configurations and either front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive, has a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $22,899. The XL7 Luxury adds leather-appointed interior, power driver seat, heated front seats, wood trim accents and 17-inch alloy wheels and has a starting MSRP of $24,599.

There are three optional packages to go with the three trim levels: The seven-passenger seating package (available on XL7 and XL7 Luxury); the DVD entertainment package (available on three-row Luxury) that features a DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones and remote starter system; and the Platinum Touring package featuring a touch-screen navigation system, 17-inch chrome-plated alloy wheels with unique design and sunroof.

2007 Suzuki SX4

The 2007 Suzuki SX4 compact sport X-over (crossover), named "Best Kept Secret of 2007" by Autobytel, is designed for those who live an adventurous life and is sure to be a year-round standout in any driving conditions. The all-new SX4 (the name stands for (S)port (X)-over for (4) seasons of weather) features a handsome five-door hatchback design, a sophisticated standard all-wheel-drive system, excellent stability and crisp handling characteristics. Built in Japan, the SX4 features a sophisticated 2.0-liter, in-line four cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine rated at 143 horsepower. SX4 is also fitted with intelligent all-wheel drive (i-AWD) as standard equipment. The i-AWD system operates in three modes for maximum fuel economy on dry pavement or to facilitate traction in case of snow or mud.

First introduced as a 2007 model, the Grand Vitara has garnered much media and consumer praise and has won numerous awards, including a "Best Buy" from Consumer Guide. The 2007 Grand Vitara features a standard 185-horsepower, 2.7-liter, V6, 24-valve DOHC engine, a sophisticated available Four-Mode full-time four-wheel-drive system, tough unibody construction enhanced with a built-in ladder frame and an extensive list of interior amenities and standard safety features.

The list of standard safety features is extensive: ABS with EBD and ESP, including traction control, six airbags, three-point driver and front-passenger seat belts featuring shoulder height adjustment; in the rear seat, each passenger is provided with a three-point seat belt system and a headrest. With its carefully engineered control layout and close attention to materials and fit-and-finish, the interior of the Suzuki Grand Vitara is functional and attractive.

The Grand Vitara comes in three trim levels: Base, XSport and Luxury. The standard five-speed manual transmission and two-wheel drive starts at an MSRP of $19,379. The Grand Vitara with Luxury Package and Four-Mode full-time four-wheel-drive system drives tops out at $23,399.

The Suzuki Forenza Sedan and Forenza Wagon

The Forenza sedan and Forenza Wagon feature Pininfarina styling, high standard feature content, powerful engines and backing by America's #1 Warranty. Last year, both Forenza models received a fresh front fascia design that incorporates a new Suzuki family grille. Both the Forenza sedan and the Forenza Wagon are available in one trim level, and customers can choose to add the ABS option, the Convenience Package (remote keyless entry and cruise control) or the Popular Package (remote keyless entry, cruise control and power tilt-and-slide sunroof). The starting MSRP for the Forenza sedan is $13,999 and $14,699 for the Forenza Wagon.

2007 Suzuki Reno

With its sculpted European styling and lively 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine, the Reno is an attractive alternative to compact competitors. New in the 2005 model year, the five-door Reno offers budget-conscious buyers versatility for their active lifestyle. The starting MSRP for the Reno is $13,499. The Reno also has an available Convenience Package, adding power tilt-and-slide sunroof, remote keyless entry, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever knob and cruise control.

2007 Suzuki Aerio

The fun-to-drive Aerio sedan comes standard with a sporty 2.3-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine with 155 horsepower and 152 lb.-ft. of torque and adds more value in 2007 with the addition of a standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system. Aerio is available in two trim levels (Aerio and Premium), and buyers can choose between a front-wheel-drive system, and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, which comes with standard automatic transmission. Prices start at $14,299 for the Aerio and $14,399 for the Aerio Premium.